The debate in research ethics and bioethics regarding human challenge studies during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is exam-ined in this article. The arguments of both proponents and opponents of conducting research at a time of uncertain scientific knowledge and lack of reliable treatments are analyzed; some stages in the evolution of ethical standards in the history of biomedical research are examined. Particular attention is paid to the role of ethical committees in a pandemic situation. It is concluded that standards of ethical review must be maintained even in unusual situations, since scientists in such cases must be responsible for the quality of the research, understand its value to science and society, and consider what lessons will be learned for the future.
human challenge studies; research ethics; bioethics; pandemic exceptionalism.